Good places to eat & watch trains in Pittsburgh?

Did you find a spot, Perry?

Tom,

Technically, no.  We ended up at Luciano's in White Oak.  However, we had a good wander south of the 'burgh to get there, following/paralleling tracks most of the way.  Took South Braddock Ave south to, and across the Rankin Bridge.  From there a ride down 837 past Kennywood and over the Union RR yard (I think!), around West Mifflin, past Dravosburg and USS Irvin Works, and then crossed the Mon at the Clairton-Glassport bridge.  Turned south/east, passing Lincoln and USS Clairton Works and finally turning north/east at Elizabeth onto Rt. 48.  Crossed the Youghiogheny at Boston & Versailles.  Turned onto Long Run Road (still Rt. 48) and found Luciano's on the outskirts of White Oak.  Finally took 48 up into Monroeville.  Saw lots of tracks and precisely zero moving trains!  Nonetheless it was an enjoyable time chatting with family.

Thanks for asking.  I see you're in Texas - are you familiar with the Pittsburgh area, or have I rattled off a list of strange names?

Perry

There is an overlook, Rochester PA, and a park Bridgewater, same area. Both with good, train viewing, Ohio, Beaver Rivers.

Perry, I have heard most of those names before, but how they come together visually, well, let's say I could get around the Panhandle of Texas more easily than Pittsburgh, haha.  Over years of reading, I kind of understand how the legacy railroad routes went through Pittsburgh, and I woke up once at dark-thirty and looked out of a sleeping car window at the station platform there.  

Hope to visit next year.  I had it planned before the Big Shutdown, and I am planning a replacement road trip along Neal Schorr's route across Pennsylvania in 2023.